Vaginal bleeding
2-minute read
There are many causes of vaginal bleeding not related to menstrual cycles, such as an infection, menopause, vaginal injuries, and changes in hormone levels.
Some possible causes are:
- an infection
- a vaginal injury
- hormone problems
- an issue with pregnancy
- menopause or perimenopause
- sexual intercourse
- some medical conditions like coeliac disease, liver or kidney disease
- some medications
- missing birth control pills
- a forgotten tampon
- intrauterine device (iud)
- polyps or other non-cancerous growths
- cancer.
If you are bleeding very heavily or you feel faint or as if you might pass out call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance. If calling triple zero (000) does not work on your mobile phone, try calling 112.
As a general rule, you should see your doctor if there is any unexpected vaginal bleeding. It is especially important to seek medical advice if you have vaginal bleeding while you are pregnant or you have been through menopause .
Not sure what to do next?
If you are still concerned about your vaginal bleeding, why not use healthdirect’s online Symptom Checker to get advice on when to seek medical attention.
The Symptom Checker guides you to the next appropriate healthcare steps, whether it’s self care, talking to a health professional, going to a hospital or calling triple zero (000).
Last reviewed: September 2017
